Monte RIo Musings by Chuck Ramsey - April 2017
It’s been a very busy last few weeks. Although tensions run high on both sides of the “homeless” issue the community has been more engaged recently than I can ever remember. We are finding solutions and winning. We won on
On one side we have the “compassionate enablers” and the other the “uncompassionate haters”. Really? No, we have some homeless that are down on their luck, want help, and should get help. We also have a lot of homeless (and some non-homeless) that wreak havoc on our environment, our residents, and our tourist industry. These people do not want help and law enforcement must do their jobs to protect our communities.
There should be options, such as clean up your act, enroll in treatment, or leave our community. Guerneville Community Alliance has taken a leading role in handling issues that predominately affect Guerneville but also spill over into Monte Rio. Wouldn’t it be great if we had a new service center/shelter that helped those that needed help and at the same time we handled the people that refuse help? There should be compassion and options for all, including our middle class residents and including our business districts. Any solutions that do not include everyone, will not work, and will further polarize those on both ends of the spectrum. The Alliances are proposing workable solutions. I’m very proud of the daily efforts these volunteers are making, as well as the engagement and efforts of our residents, businesses, and governmental agencies. The results are showing at the street level. Please attend the Town Hall Meeting at the Guerneville School 6pm on March 29th hosted by Lynda Hopkins.
Hard work and results are also evident with our Rio Take2 Café team.
In collaboration with the owners of the Rio Properties LLC, Alain and Paul will be picking up one additional weekend a month for entertainment in the theater. Purple Rain will be shown 4/15 and on Saturday 4/29 Paul and Alain will be opening the doors for a gala affair of Priscilla Queen of the Desert Sing-a-Long. Costumes, song and frivolity for all. Come and enjoy the first annual affair.
More info to come on the Rio Cafe website or call 707-865-4190.
But wait there’s more!
If you haven’t had a taste of Alain’s homemade ice cream at the cafe you will soon be able to choose from 16 homemade flavors at Scoop of Sonoma Forestville. That’s right! Paul, Alain,Gregg and Marc are opening a shop to showcase Alain’s down home old world custard ice cream, always available at the cafe in Monte Rio, but now a second location on the main drag in Forestville. I’ve had the Meyer Lemon ice cream several times and it is incredible. Together with the ice cream they will be showcasing some of Sonoma’s finest cottage industry goods. Homemade goodies from farm houses and neighbors around our county. Projected opening date is May 1st.
You may have noticed landscaping and signage improvements on our Triangle thanks to Monte Rio Chamber. Monte Rio Community Alliance is also making some landscape improvements to our Park & Ride lot. You may have noticed the nights are a little brighter here as well. PG&E has replaced our streetlights with LED fixtures. These produce a brighter, whiter light and use less energy.
Friends of Monte Rio will hold their annual Easter Egg Hunt Sat., April 15th 12-2pm at the MR Community Center. Looking for a seasonal part time job? Monte Rio Rec & Park is seeking Boat Runners for the beach. Apply at administrator@mrrpd.org.
Vacation Wonderland. We just keep getting better.
